A La Carte at the Gardiner Bistro [Brunch]

I was invited to A La Carte at the Gardiner Bistro to try out their brand new Brunch menu.

Love the open space with the floor to ceiling windows especially on this sunny day. Tables are also sparsely space which allow a more intimate meal/conversation.

Bread comes with their own Zaatar spice mix and olive oil for dipping.

Grilled Cheese $19

~ Brioche, melted brie, duck breast, tomato jam served w/ baby green salad or soup 

I can't never resist bread nor cheese, so it's normal that I love grilled cheese sandwich and add duck to it, yummmm. Love the perfectly grilled bread without the tiniest burnt and love the tomato jam instead of the tradition tomato soup. My only complain was that the salad was over-dressed.

Petit Pain Ciabatta $20

~ braised Brisket in belgian ale + roasted pork w/ caramelized onion + roasted lamb w/ fig and walnut pesto and green salad

This could have been better if served hot, all the bread and meat here was cold which pretty much resulted into hard, dry and bland tasting meat. While the grilled cheese's salad was over-dressed, this one was under dressed with barely any dressing.

Huevos Rancheros $17

~ sunny side eggs, house salsa, avocado purée, black beans, corn tortilla, shredded lettuce

Although this didn't look as amazing as the 2 previous dish, it was pretty tasty.

Crème Brûlée

A very nice creamy custard but only wished there was more of a sugar crust to it.

They also have some tables outside on their balcony/patio.

Wish the museum and the restaurant would collaborate, allowing a free visit of the exhibit when you dine there.

Verdict:

Food was slow given the place was not even pack but the service was amazing.

Hit and misses on the menu, definitely have to work it out.
Perfect space for a quite relaxing lunch/brunch and definitely a great location to hand out before or after shopping on bloor.

*** This was complimentary. Opinions are my own***